A Novel Rallying For Change
Monkey Business 
In a forest lying below the watershed in the Central Province of India, a
utopian community of langurs were living in peace and harmony until a chance discovery of a misplaced
cell phone led them to a series of serendipitous inventions and unforeseen social transformation that
ultimately challenged their sylvan way of life.
Adding colour to the grey community were a golden langur and a douc, as well as the local people, who
lived alongside the mischievous langurs at the fringe of the forest, blissfully going about their
business and totally oblivious of the thriving economy inside the woods.
In pursuing progress, had the langurs traded away their future?
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The Long Tail of the Sylvan Economy
Book Reviews 📱
"This wondrous tale is set in modern-day India. Embellishing the intricate
plot are colourful human characters living alongside the langurs and totally oblivious of their naughty
neighbours. In many ways, Monkey Business is microcosmic of the world we live in. Underpinning the light
yarn is a subtle moral and a much-needed reminder of our blunders in forgetting to care for our world.
An original story and an engaging read."
Rasu Ramachandran, Board member of the Singapore Book Council
"... Matters come to a head as markings, which are signs of ownership, begin to disappear. The currency
exchange collapses and disgruntled langur traders and rebels challenge the power of their prophet. Will
the pristine forest habitat and its simian community survive these upheavals or will it descend into a
tailspin of chaos? Weaving careful research into a quicksilver plot, this is a modern-day fable about
environmental damage and the pipe dream of limitless growth."
Rajat
Chaudhuri, eco-activist and author of acclaimed The Butterfly Effect
The Langur in the Moon
Mark Tan 
The author, Mark Tan, lives in Singapore, where he runs a successful communications consultancy,
among
other interests. As a strategic communicator, he works with corporate clients to create powerful
narratives
to inform, involve and inspire stakeholders. One of the areas he is particularly passionate about is
sustainability: the care and protection of the environment and vulnerable communities. Prior to
setting
up his agency, Mark has held various positions in the government and multinationals, one of which
had
brought him to India. The idea for this book came about during one of his trips to India. Captivated
by
its rich culture and charmed by the warm hospitality of its people, Mark has used India’s vibrant
tapestry of life to weave a short and intricate tale that tells of the pressing and perilous
situation
that the world has gotten itself into. Mark is happily married to Natalie and they have two
wonderful
children, Joshua and Jade.
Learn more about the author at
the candid lounge interview with Kitaab.
Connect and share your thoughts
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The stunning Raneh Falls in Madhya Pradesh
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A troop of langurs sitting on the wall
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A gharial with its long row of dining knives (by Rodrigo Ardilha)
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An upset gray bearing its teeth
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A rare white tiger on the prowl
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An outstanding Gee's Golden Langur up in the tree
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An adorable Red-Shanked Douc (by Quang Nguyen Vinh)
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Playful young langurs in the forest (by Abhishek Raj)
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Gazing at erotic carvings at a Khajuraho temple (by Srimathi Jayaprakash)
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Langurs going for tree diving
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Locals painting the town pink
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Urban langur (by Shruti Singh)
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Data source: The World Counts